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Psoriasis is classified into 3 types based on how it affects the patient's body. These are low-impact, moderate-impact, and severe-affected. To prevent the development of plaques, patients and doctors need to find a treatment for psoriasis that is appropriate for the extent of the disease.1. Basis for choosing mild psoriasis treatment methods
Mild to moderate psoriasis means red, scaly patches that cover less than 10% of the body. But the low coverage of psoriatic plaques does not mean it is acceptable. Because if these white patches appear in conspicuous places such as arms or legs, it is very inconvenient to go out without wearing long sleeves and pants to cover them. In addition, psoriasis in small areas can develop into large patches and large coverage if they are itchy or painful.
Each patient has different psoriasis characteristics. That's why a doctor will have to consider several factors to decide which treatment to try for each patient. Commonly considered considerations are:
The type of psoriasis the patient has. Coverage of scaly patches on the patient's body. The effects that psoriasis has on a patient's life. Depends on the health condition of the patient. Your doctor may use a psoriasis identification tool called a Koo-Menter to determine treatment. This tool is a questionnaire to find out how psoriasis affects the patient's life. The physician can use the patient's responses to determine if the patient is in need of a topical cream, light therapy, or a drug that acts throughout the body.
Usually doctors start with the mildest treatments for people with mild to moderate psoriasis. Often the first treatment to try is a skin cream or ointment.
If a mild treatment does not work, the doctor will switch to stronger treatments until one finds the most suitable one. In general, you should not self-apply topical medications to open and infected areas of skin. Talk to your doctor if your patches of skin become more inflamed.
2. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, or steroids, are the most common topical treatment for psoriasis. Steroid medications help curb the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroids: There are many steroid creams, gels, lotions, and shampoos available. They range from weak to strong. The stronger the steroid, the more effective it is. However, stronger steroids also cause more side effects. Low-strength steroids are best for treating sensitive areas for a limited time, like the face, groin, and chest area. Higher-strength steroids are the best choice for treating areas with thicker plaques.
Side effects of this procedure include thinning of the skin, changes in skin color, acne, stretch marks, redness, more visible blood vessels, or an increased risk of infection. Although uncommon, topical steroids can be absorbed into the systemic circulation and cause side effects such as cataracts, glaucoma, and Cushing's syndrome.
These uncommon side effects are more likely to occur if you use a very intense topical steroid over a large area for a long time.
3. EASY Vitamins
It is a synthetic form of vitamin D to rub on the skin. Vitamin D cream slows down skin cell growth. Vitamin D creams include: Calcipotriene (Daivonex, Sorilux, Taclonex), Calcitriol (Vertical).
Side effects include skin irritation, burning, itching, dryness, peeling or rash. In rare cases, too much vitamin D can be absorbed into the body, which can lead to increased calcium levels.
4. Retinoids
Retinoids are a man-made form of vitamin A. It slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation. Topical retinoids are Tazarotene (Tazorac) cream. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity to sunlight (you need to apply sunscreen while using this medicine).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using this medicine, because this medicine may harm an unborn baby.
5. Anthralin
Anthralin is an extract from the South American arroba tree. It slows down the growth of skin cells. Types of anthralin include Dithoc scalp, Micanol Dithranol-RR. Side effects include skin irritation. It can also leave brown stains on clothing, hair, bed sheets and skin when used.
6. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is also commonly used to treat acne. Salicylic acid creams, gels, and shampoos soften flakes and help get rid of them. Sometimes salicylic acid is used with other psoriasis treatments, such as corticosteroids or coal tar. Side effects include skin irritation and hair loss.
7. Coal tar
Coal tar is one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis. The way it works is to use coal tar shampoos and creams to slow the growth of skin cells. They also reduce scabs, itching, and swelling.
The Goeckerman treatment is a combination of coal tar with light therapy and is widely used in the treatment of psoriasis. Side effects of this method include skin irritation and skin becoming sensitive to sunlight. Coal tar can also cause unpleasant odors and change the color of clothing, bedding, or hair.
8. Other Over-the-Counter Treatments
A few other over-the-counter remedies that may help treat psoriasis include:
Moisturizers containing aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, or capsaicin soften the skin and relieve itching. Bath solutions containing oils, oatmeal, or sea salt can help remove flakes. Products that are high in salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea also remove scales. Anti-itch creams containing calamine, hydrocortisone, camphor, or menthol can help relieve itching. Whichever method you choose, always talk to your doctor about medications, including over-the-counter medicines, to see if they're right for you. Your doctor may also recommend light therapy or an injection called a biologic if the disease is active throughout the body. You should also talk to your doctor about the effects psoriasis has on your life.
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Reference article source: webmd.com